Great Horned Owl

COMMON NAME: Great Horned Owl

SCIENTIFIC NAME:Bubo virginianus

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:The largest of the "tufted" owls in North America, the great horned owl's face is dominated by the large tufts or "horns," yellow eyes, and white throat patch. Barred on the underside, these owls can vary in color from reddish-brown to gray to black and white. The large feet are feathered to the ends of the toes. Immature birds resemble the adults.

RANGE:Great horned owls can be found breeding from northern Alaska to the tip of Tierra del Fuego. Canadian birds seem to be somewhat migratory, responding to the population cycles of their prey, and move into the northern United States in winter. Similar species, such as the eagle owl, occur almost worldwide.

HABITAT:A very adaptable bird, the great horned owl is found in a variety of habitats. In Minnesota, they are usually found breeding in stands of trees or in woodlots bordering open fields in agricultural areas. They can be found in cities as well, utilizing parks, residential areas, and industrial developments.

NESTING:Across its range, this owl can be found nesting in a variety of situations, including tree and cactus cavities, nest boxes, cliff ledges, and old crow, squirrel or hawk nests. In Minnesota, courtship and territory formation begins in winter, usually January and February, with eggs laid by March. Juveniles are dependent on the adults through the summer, and sometimes do not leave their parents' territory until forced to do so in late fall.

FEEDING HABITS:Considered by many to be the most voracious of all raptors, the great horned owl feeds on an extremely wide variety of prey. These include waterfowl, rabbits, squirrels, marsh birds, and rodents.

RAPTOR CENTER DATA:The Raptor Center has treated more great horned owls than any other bird. Great horned owls can be found in the clinic year-round, from spring when nestlings come in, through winter. Most of the adults are severely injured and are not released, but nonetheless, this bird seems to be able to survive injuries that would kill most other birds. Handling this bird can be dangerous to your health if it gets its talons into you, and their strong beak can also cause damage.

CONSERVATION STATUS:Considered to be a benefactor from the habitat changes wrought by European settlers, this bird is very common across its range today. Although federal statutes prohibit shooting or harassing great horned owls, the birds are still persecuted by some for their predation of game birds and poultry.